A dual targeting cyclodextrin/gold nanoparticle conjugate as a scaffold for solubilization and delivery of paclitaxel

Abstract

Recently, the improvement of the aqueous solubility, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery effects of drug carriers became research highlights in the field of cancer therapy. A novel cyclodextrin–gold nanoparticle conjugate, CD–AuNPs, was successfully constructed from gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bearing adamantane moieties, shortly linked cyclodextrin dimmers, and biotin-modified cyclodextrin. Possessing a holey structure, the resultant conjugate could serve as a versatile and biocompatible platform for the loading and solubilization of paclitaxel. In addition, the active targeting of biotin units and the pH-responsive accelerated drug release in a mildly acidic environment like that in cancer cells efficiently promote the advantage of CD–AuNPs as a dual targeting delivery carrier for paclitaxel, giving better anti-cancer activity and lower toxicity toward normal cells than free paclitaxel. We believe that the present work will provide a new pathway to the design of a novel targeted drug carrier.